All of Florida is at Risk for Sinkholes
For many homeowners in Florida, sinkholes can be a huge problem. If a sinkhole opens beneath your foundation, it can cause serious foundation issues and structural damage. Not only are sinkholes a danger to you and your family, but they can also lower the value of your property significantly. Although sinkholes are more common in some areas due to the geological make-up of the soil, any property in the state of Florida could develop a sinkhole. That is why it is important to know what to do if one does appear. Foundation Professionals of Florida can help you with all of your sinkhole repair and sinkhole remediation needs. Contact us today for more information.
Sinkholes are formed when ground water begins to erode the limestone, dolestone, or other such rock in the soil. When this happens, underground caverns form. If the roof of these caverns collapse, the ground on top and anything that rests on it will also collapse; if a sinkhole opens beneath your foundation, it can cause problems such as foundation sinking, settlement, or cracks. Sometimes, sinkholes form slowly. This happens when the soil erodes gradually, and the ground above becomes more and more depressed over time. Other times, sinkhole collapse suddenly. This type of formation is often caused by dry, drought-like conditions. If the void beneath the ground is filled with water, extremely dry conditions will cause the water to dry up, leaving the ground above the void without the support of the water. This causes the roof of the void to collapse, forming a sinkhole.
Because of the soil variance in different areas of the state of Florida, sinkholes are more common in certain areas. There are generally four types of geological terrains in Florida, some more prone to sinkholes than others:
- In areas where the limestone bedrock is only thinly covered, sinkholes are less common. Most sinkholes that do occur in such areas are generally wide, shallow, and slow forming, known as :solution sinkholes“.
- Sinkholes are also not very common in areas of the state where the limestone is covered by sand, and where there is very little clay in the area. The few sinkholes in these areas gradually develop in the sand and are normally referred to as “cover-subsidence sinkholes.”
- The parts of the state in which the sediments above the limestone consist mainly of clay and sand. The clay in these sediments makes them cohesive; they are not particularly permeable to water. Sinkhole are the most common in these areas, and can vary greatly in size. They also tend to develop quite suddenly.
- In a few areas of the state, the sediments that cover the limestone are over 200 feet deep. These sediments are cohesive due to the clay and layers of limestone that they contain. Even though sinkholes are not very common in these areas, they are still a dangerous issue, as the ones that do form tend to be deep and wide.
The state of Florida is a beautiful place to live, but all Florida homeowners need to be aware of the dangers of sinkholes. These phenomenon are simply a part of the natural environment of Florida. Even if you live in an area less prone to sinkholes, they could still be a threat to the safety of your home and your family.
Can I Find Out if There Have Been Sinkholes Near Me?
If you live in Florida, you are probably wondering whether your property is at risk of sinkhole formation. It is always good for homeowners to be aware of any potential threats to the integrity of their homes. If there is a known sinkhole or underground void on your property, you may be able to invest in sinkhole stabilization to prevent any foundation problems from occurring in the future. One good way to find out if your home could be at risk is to examine maps of previous sinkholes. This will tell you if you live in an area prone to sinkholes.
If a sinkhole has formed on your property ,and you are looking for sinkhole repair options, contact the team here at Foundation Professionals of Florida. We offer sinkhole solutions such as compaction grouting, void filling, low-mobility grouting, and underpinning with steel push piers or helical piers. We the experts on Florida sinkholes.
